France witnessed another wave of turmoil on Wednesday as protesters took to the streets with a vow to “block everything.” Demonstrations spread across Paris, Nantes, Rennes, Montpellier, and other cities, leaving roads barricaded, rubbish bins ablaze, and traffic snarled. Police responded with tear gas, arrests, and forceful interventions.
Authorities confirmed that more than 200 protesters were arrested nationwide. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau warned that extremist groups might infiltrate demonstrations, raising fears of escalating violence.
The unrest comes at a politically sensitive moment for President Emmanuel Macron, whose government recently suffered a parliamentary defeat, deepening public anger over proposed budget cuts.
Why Are People Protesting?
The protests are fueled by frustration with what demonstrators see as an out-of-touch political class. Much of the anger is directed at Macron himself, who critics accuse of ignoring ordinary citizens while pushing austerity measures.
Main Triggers of Anger:
- Planned Budget Cuts: Protesters argue that cuts will cripple schools, hospitals, and public services.
- Political Turmoil: Macron’s government lost a crucial vote in parliament earlier this week, fueling instability.
- Anti-Elite Sentiment: Many demonstrators accuse the political establishment of being disconnected from everyday struggles.
Fred, a representative for the CGT union’s RATP branch, didn’t mince words:
“It’s Macron who’s the problem, not just the ministers. His way of working means he has to go.”
Clashes in Major Cities
Paris: Schools and Streets Under Siege
In the capital, riot police used tear gas on students who had blocked the entrance to a high school. Firefighters cleared barricades of burning debris, while police stopped nearly 1,000 protesters from storming the Gare du Nord train station.
Rennes and Nantes: Flames and Roadblocks
In Rennes, protesters torched a city bus, while in Nantes demonstrators blocked a highway with burning tires and bins. Police fired tear gas to disperse groups attempting to occupy roundabouts.
Montpellier: Barricades and Banner Calls for Macron’s Exit
Scuffles broke out as protesters erected barricades on major roads. Some hurled objects at police, while banners demanding “Macron resign” waved above the crowds.
Voices From the Streets
Teachers, unionists, and ordinary citizens joined forces under the loosely organized “block everything” movement, which first emerged online earlier this year.
- Christophe Lalande, teacher in Paris: “The government’s cuts will hurt schools and hospitals. If Bayrou’s policies are gone, they should be buried completely.”
- Amar Lagha, union leader: “We won’t back down. This fight continues. If we have to die, we’ll die standing.”
The movement has no centralized leadership, making it unpredictable and harder for authorities to contain.
Comparisons to the Yellow Vest Movement
Analysts are drawing parallels to the 2018 Yellow Vest protests, which started over fuel prices but snowballed into a nationwide revolt against Macron. Like the earlier uprising, the “block everything” movement is fueled by social media, grassroots organizing, and widespread frustration over inequality.
Expert Analysis: What’s Next for Macron?
Political observers say the protests could mark a turning point. Macron’s weakened position in parliament makes it harder to push through unpopular reforms. At the same time, police crackdowns risk inflaming tensions further.
Dr. Élodie Carrière, a political scientist in Paris, explained:
“The protests are not just about budget cuts. They represent a deeper crisis of legitimacy for Macron’s presidency. People feel ignored, and the anger is spilling onto the streets.”